Food that lasts!

This Cross has a military theme with the Camo behind it. It was taken down in KAF. Camo is used for shade and is readily available for the mento use.

John 6:27 - 29, Don't work for the food that perishes but for the food that lasts for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you, because on Him God the Father has set His seal of approval.

What can we do to perform the works of God? they asked.

Jesus replied, "This is the work of God: that you believe in the One He has sent."

I read this this morning and it reminded me of the work I did for so many years, work for the purpose of my status and authority. Work that was for the purpose of having money to spend on toys and luxiories and things that didn't add up to much at all. That work became empty and mundane, the rewards became fewer even though the money each year got better. I began, to use the qleuche, live to work and work to live.

Looking back but reflecting on what I know now this is how sin works in our lives. We start off and it has some sort of rewrd or gradification. It is fullfilling an internal desire that is not of the Lord. For me, it was pride. I was the boss. I was making money. I was successfull. All this from this work that I did everyday. Like sin however, it didn't fullfill the need for long, it only produced a greater need for it. My work over the long run only served to perpetuate my fall. Satan uses this world and the things within it to very craftily draw us away from the Lord.

We all need to work so that we may live in the society in which God has chosen to place us in. But what should become the driving factor of what we do is the "Heart Condition" in which we do our work. My heart condition before was away from the Lord, my work was for me. Now my work, how I make a living, is secondary to me. My joy now cames from the opportunity that my work provides me to wittness for the Lord. My work puts me where I can be most used by Him to be a light to a dark place.

The Lord is telling us that our primary purpose is to beileve in the One He sent. Believe who He is, and what He has done for us. Beileve that He has sent us to our work places and neighborhoods to be a light. Believe that He has given us the resources that we have to use properly for Him. Believe that nothing is by our own hands that will not perish that only by His hands will it last eternally.

Is the position of the job eternal, or the lives that can be lifted up by us who are in it? Is the money eternal, or the charity that can be better resourced from it? Is the house eternal, or the love that can be produced in it? Is the church eternal, or the salvation that is produced from it? When we work, work for the etrnal food that will not perish. Do your job, but work for Him. Set your heart on Him and what He gives you. Let your work be in faith and from faith in Him, the One He sent, and make it food that last eternally.

A CHU!

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I had to improvise today as I am not able to upload any of the images that I have. I am gathering quite a collection of pictures.

I want to start of by saying that it is 0430 in the morning as I write this. I am sitting outside on the common deck, it is 73 degrees and I am freezing! There was a time when the warmest I would like it to be was 75 dgrees. Wow.

I am outside this morning writing, instead of on my bed, as I now have twenty tent mates that I did not have yesterday. They are part of seventy new workers coming in to camp yesterday and tomorrow. This camp is expanding and therefore the need for more hands. These men are primarily from India and the Phillippines, but there are some from other parts.

As I back up a minute, I will tell you that since I have been here there has been discussion about the sleeping arrangements of the ExPats. There are new CHU's available which usually means that everybody gets to upgrade as Managers and Supervisors fill into the Chu's. I had it pretty well in a large tent with just one other person, but my expectation was that I would, as a Manager move to a CHU.

Yesterday, before the TCN's came in, I went and spoke to the Camp Manager regarding when I would move to a CHU. He explained to me that because they didn't know that I was coming they did not have one available. That they had "already" determined who would be where. Yes, my BS Radar went up. Also my little voice in my head said, he is feeding you a line of crud. Instead of pointing this out I asked about any other rooms, possibly like I had at Leatherneck. After a little oh wells and we will see what we can do I just told him to do what he could. Boy was I upset. I actually went and wrote a couple of emails to Catherine and David asking for some clarity for me.

At lunch I was just running this around in my head. I knew that seventy people were coming and that I would have my tent full. I also figured that the best I would do is have a plywood room here at the Camp until more CHU's were built. I knew that I could make a call and complain that employees that were not supposed to have the CHU's had them and that I was not given what I deserved by position.

As I was waiting for my MRE to warm I sat at my makeshift desk and began to read my Bible. Just a few minutes in my mind flipped back to the issue at had. I sat and starred for a minute and then realized that I should stay right where I was. That there was no reason that I had to go anywhere. I thought that the Lord has brought me here to serve Him and to be at a minimum a good example of Him to others, to be a light. I felt that in this tent I could give to these men more than if I were not there. I felt that I could show the other ExPats that it is not the most important thing to have a CHU, that status symbol of my position. I also felt that I was only doing this once and then going back to my nice house and nice room and bed and that was more than any of these men may ever hope to have. I did not want to cheat myself of this experience.

I prepared the tent for the arrival of the men by sweeping and straightening up the beds. As they came I tried to welcome them into the tent. These new hires are no oriented like you know back in the states. They are very much left on their own and very few speak good english so you can see that they are confused by everything. Many of them are hired by agancies and they are wisked away very quickly. I have seen some arrive with only a few small shopping bags of stuff and generally they are here for two to three years per contract.

As I went back from lunch I returned to the Camp Managers office and told him to forget about moving me that I was fine where I was. He looked at me very queerly and asked me if I was sure. I said yes, and he asked again. Yes I am fine there. I told Him that when he had a chance I would sit and explain it to him. He said ok and thanked me. I did ask him for a favor, since I had good opportunity to barder. I asked Him if he could have some benches made for me to put into the bunker as me and a few friends need a quiet place to pray. He answered with certainly.

So I sit outside now, in the cold, so that I do not wake up anybody in my tent. As I write I think about Christs words. Be an light unto the world, a beeken on a hill. Who hides the lamp, put it up on a lampstand.

I pray for a few things, that the foolish wonder why I have not moved and argued for a CHU. That those with false pride are convicted by it. That the seekers ask me and that wise understand. I ask God to bring my fullest understanding of the lives of those in my tent and that I may be used by Him in their lives.

My day.

I call this one Carved Cross. All I can say is it was the first time I saw something interesting on the wall in the area in which I found it.

Yesterday was a pretty good day as I spent it down on the flight line observing the cargo operations. That is part of Transportation and therefore part of my responsibility. People also fall under cargo so the PAX Terminal is also under me. It is funny to me but, oh well. We even had General Petrios (Spelling) fly in and then five minutes later fly out. He is the Commanding Officer of Afghanistan you may have read about taking over a few weeks ago for McChristie.

While down there I saw two of the Air Force man that were at the Bible Study the other night.
We were able to do some more formal introductions then before, and spoke a bit about where we are from, what we did and when we get out. We also spoke about the study and that we all really enjoyed it. Each was looking forward to next week. I ended up running into them a couple more times during the day.

On my way back from the Flight Line before dinner I met up with Chaplin Johnson. As we spoke he also expressed how he thought the Bible study went well. He also thought it was great that I had spoke up some and started off running here. I explained to him that I had been involved in Discipleship and Samll Groups at home and really looked forward to being involved here. Iguess I had allot of pent up energy that came out the other night. I offered to help him however I could while I was here.

The best part of the evening was my new prayer group. We met late and I thought that we might not have met at all as it was after 2100 by the time Robert came by to get me. Apperently some of the men work in the kitchen and they do not get out until late and then must wash up first. What I thought was going to be just three ended up being six men, Robert and me, three other Kenyans and Roberts bunk mate who is from India. We stood by Roberts bunk and prayed, each one at a time, and each in his own way. I am amazed at the way the Kenyan men pray, it is much like JJ's prayer but more intense in nature. I think I may be a little week compared to them, not that it matters to God.

I was blessed through out the day. My fellowship and circle of believers in my life is growing and becoming stronger. I am feeling the freindship grow with Robert and the roots of friendship growing with the other men. This is important for me, them and God. Each needing and utilizing the strength orf the group for a purpose. Be it friendship or support, prayer or spreading the Gospel we all benefit form this.

I prayed that the Lord continue to use me in which ever way He sees fit. I pray that my hands become His and that I may touch others for Him. I ask that you pray these things also for yourself.

Chain Cross, this was taken this morning from the flight line. I explained to one of the workers that I take pictures of Crosses and then he began to look for them. Simple acts!

I have doing pretty well thelast couple of days as I begin to settle in here. I still have this continual ache in my stomach but I have learned that that, along with a clear head keeps me in the right place for Him to work. If the ache goes away then I am too comfortable and slip back a little. If my mind gets tired then I allow Satan to work on me too much. Sitting on the fence seems to be best.

The weather here is really nice, when the wind is not blowing at 50 mph. It is relatively cool, for Afghanistan, and only relly is uncofortable in peek hours of the day. The night are in the upper 70's so it is good for sleeping. As I mentioned the wind, it will pick up as the temperature rises and then gust into the evening. Yesterday was so bad that it moved the satelight dish so the internet was down.

There are mountains all around us in the distance so it is a very pretty view. It reminds me of the Adirondacks however there are no trees on them. The wind keeps the view clear so most of the day you can see them over the walls.

At night the camp is dark, I mean really dark! No lights. So when you walk outside, you have to do this to use the rest room, the stars are marvelous. There are no clouds so the moon is always so bright and that becomes the light to guide you. It is cool but in a but in a way kinda spooky.

Robert is here with me. He is the Kenyan Brother who the Lord provide in KAF when I was ready to give up. We have been meeting every evening for prayer and encouragement. He has this tremendous way of praying and it is marvelous to listen to. The Lord has annoited him with prayer. Last night we went to Bible study at the Chapel and spent an hour with several service men and woman and Chaplain Johnson who is from Rochester New York. It was very good and the first small group I have attended in 6 or 7 weeks.

We were studing Collosians 2 and Paul speaks about being with them even though he is in prison. This is the bond of the Saints, of the Body of Christ. We are bound together through Him, Christ Jesus. We are bonded by the Holy Spirit. Our fellowship and gathering, our common suffering as Christians. Our sharin or tears and joys and the saving Faith in Jesus Christ are what make us one. We are like the links in the Chain Cross above, individuals linked together by the Spirit, making us stronger, one dependant on the other.

At he end of the study I had a chance to speak with the Chaplain. I told him about Robert being my rock here that the Lord has now provided twice when I need him most. He then asked if Robert would pray for him and we all three stood with our hands on each shoulder and prayed. It was a nice experience and very powerful.

Tonight Robert and I, along with two other Kenyan men will have prayer and fellowship. Robert sees it as Church planting which in a sense it is. Where two or three are gathered, He is there. He started this at KAF and the prayer and fellowship in the Happy Bus still continues today. As a matter of fact, Kishan, the Indian man who John so intimately asked if he knew Jesus after Musa's song, has accepted Christ a Savior. Praise God. He now reads his Bible everyday and prays with the men in the mornings. Prayer Team and all who prayed for him rejoice with the Angels in Heavan.

I don't want to call this home, because that is truly where the heart is, but I am hoping to settle down here for now. I look forward now to the bonds I can form with this Church and the others here who are my Brothers and Sisters. Evrything serves His purpose.

Strengthen all of your bonds today.

Settling in a bit.

This Cross is pretty neat with the background, it is the grill on an airconditioner unit.

I know this is going to sound kind of crazy but I am nervous about this job. Not nervous about my abilities to lead but about the paticulars about the job. Everything is Military drivin. There is so much that I just don't know.

I am trying to learn a new language, they speak in acronyms all the time. Everything is shortened to a few letters and then sounded back out to make a word. I don't know if it really shortens conversations to much but it must serve some practical purpose. I know that it would confuse any enemy that may be listening.

Also I have to learn rancks and positions of everyone. I will meet with the Military several times a week for briefings, I would tell you what they are called but it is another acronym. Anway, evryone has a rank that I just can't understand. My fall back is Sir and Mam, but not knowing who is the boss can get you in to trouble. Yesterday the man I thought was in charge was not, it was the man that wasn't talking and just listening that was in charge. It must be something to be the boss and have others do all the talking for you during meetings.

Then there is just the stuff of the job. The contract obligations. The who does what and why stuff. What forms and information needs to be kept and gathered. All that weighs in and becomes strange. It is just a little outside of what I did before that it is like learning everything all over again.

Many of the people here are very different and different backgrounds. I have been around swearing and crudness before but some of this is way beyond normal work stuff. The attitudes on life and love are different and it becomes an accentuated view of how truly this world is fallen.

I know that it is also difficult for the man I am replacing. He is retired Military 20 years and has done this for nine more. He knows what he is doing an here I come as his replacement. He actually shakes his head. He has built a great team here and I will need to rely on them in the begining. People and process. I know people it is the process that I will have to learn.

This is way outside of my comfort zone. As a matter of fact this entire trip has been outside of my comfort zone. Yet I continue to do my very best. I continue to move forward, eyes wide open, to see what the Lord has in store for me next.

My work here is the primary reason I am here but the Lords work is my primary purpose. As I am stretched with the daily grind I am stretched and then blessed by the Lord. Yesterday I was able to have four conversations regarding my faith with people here. I was able to in a small way be a light and show some of Christs love and work through my actions, or inactions. This for me becomes at the end of the day what I can hang my hat on. This is why I can look forward to the next day.

I will be as successful as I can be. I will pour my heart into the work because it is my duty as a Christian but I will also pour my soul into the Lords work because that is why I am here and I trust Him in that.

Each day look for both in your life, the opportunity to be stretched at your job and the opportunity to be stretched by the Lord. He will use you in both circumstances if you trust Him.

First day on the job.

This Cross was taken when I flew into Kandahar. It is supposed to be used to place your flack jacket and helmet on when you are not using it. Now it stands near an airconditioner by the gate .

Today will be my first day on the job, doing what I am supposd to do. I am looking forward to it so that I can begin to be productive again. My father is keen on the fact that if I am not doing something productive my mind gets off. I think it may be that way for all of us. I also know it is true with our faith.

I am not writing much here today, only ask for prayers and thoughts. I love you all and miss you tremendously. Be well and be someones blessing today.

Helicopter ride anyone?

The Flight Engineer pointed this out to me as we flew over it at 5,000 feet or so. It is about two thrids of the way from Kandahar to Shindand. Way cool, and big.

I am now in Shindand, I little FOB about 100 miles from the Iranian border. They have this base here so that it can support the smaller outposts nearer the border that protect against traffic from Iran. When I say small, it is small. Primarily all Alaska tents with bunk beds and very few hard structures.

I woke up today at 1:45 thinking that I would catch a bus to Stallion Ramp at 2:15, no bus. My flight was due to leave at 0515 but I didn't get in the air until 8:30 so I sat for a while. Now we tend to complain in our airports about waiting, at Stallion ramp the best you can do is a wooden bench and most of the soldiers were sitting on the ground.

I will tell you that I have been struggling again the last few days and my mind has not been of good sorts. I found it very difficult to leave Kandahar knowing I was going somewhere more remote, more difficult to get out of. For some reason I had settled when I was in Leatherneck but that changed when I left. I sat and prayed alot while I waited. I thought about David Eames words he wrote me in an email. I read, all to try to relieve the ache that still remains in my stomach.

Anyway, at 0830 I baorded what the Flight Engineer called a Huey on Steriods along with two Soldiers. I was able to get a window seat and sat in great anticipation for the flight. Ethan had told me that flying in Helicopters was his favorite way to fly, that he loved it so I looked forward to the experience.

The flight Engineer then went through the pre flight lecture, alomost like a Stewardess but with a little different spin. He proceeded to tell the soldiers that they could have their clips in but nothing in the chamber. To keep the muzzles pointing down or out at all times. Then incase we have to land in a NonFOB area, code for unfriendly territory, wait for the rotors to stop and then exit the aircraft and lock and load. OK, what about me I am thinking. If we go down hard and the Flight Engineer is injured we are to grab the first aid kit and the radio beacon as we exit. The second helicopter will radio for help and then land and get us if possible. There was not one thing about seatbelts, emergency exits or oxygen masks.

Ok so that out of the way, we take off and like Ethan said, it was great. I finally got to see Kandahar City and the surounding areas. I was expecting some big buildings but it wasn't like that. It was the traditional housing, more placed together, with lots of green farm lands around each one.

The flight took an hour and fifty minutes and flew over many different types of terrian. It was cool. I couldn't help but be facinated with how these people can survive in such areas. Mainly around water sources, but some seemingly in the middle of nowhere. We humans are resiliant, and inobvative. We can make something from nothing and thrive while doing it. God and His wonderful plan has given us everything we need to survive practically anywhere.

I will give it a go here. Make my mark in this base and in this land if I can. I have come here to work while I preach the Gospel of Christ. I know that He will provide me what I need and only give me what I can handle, I must live that knowledge. I must continue on because His Glory will be revealed everyday that I remain in my Faith.

Pray for me.

God and Guns.

This Coss was easy to find, I only had to go to the right place, South Park Community Chapel.

I was able to attend my first Church service since before leaving home in June. It was a mix of Service men and Civilians, about 60 people total, in a tent. The service men and woman here are required to carry their weopons at all times and therefore as they filled in to the seats they place there weapons under the benches. Gun barrels pointing everywhere! I think maybe it helps with the Sermons!

We started with worship songs and of course as emotional as I was I could only get through half the song without crying, generally at the chorus. Yes Anna, Daddy sang like I sing at our Church, voice cracking and out of tune. None the less I was worshiping with fellow Christians as I had not in a while.

The Chaplain then passed the microphone for praise and prayer requests. I heard things that sounded so familiar to me. Others had the same feelings and pains as I did. Others had the same praises that God has been working in their lives. He then lead in prayer.

The Sermon was good, Nehemiah 7. The rebuilding of the wall was now complete and the Census was taken. Nehemiah now first appointed singers and Levites. He saw the need for the people to worship God, to learn of Him. The Chaplain spoke of our need to do this, that we can not just build a wall and think that that is sufficient. We must continiously worship our God.

We must also be good wittnesses to those around us. He defined wittness as I had not heard it before; To see, to know and to speak. To see the truth of God revealed in us. To know that it is real. To speak of it to others. He stated that all of those are part of our "wittness", not just one individually. I thought, how often we stop from doing all three. We see but do not believe, or believe but do not speak.

He spoke to us about our Mission, to the civilians and the Servicemen and woman that we are called to a higher mission as Christians while we are here. That we have our jobs but we also have the purpose that God has given us, to be good wittnesses to others, even in this place. The Christian Mission is the same in all places of our life, it does not change.

I had Communion also today. I had alot to be thankful for and alot to cleanse my heart of. I took a while to go through each doorway in my heart, to make sure I found what might be right. I know He forgives me but better to be sure I did not gloss over anything. Even here the mind can lead to sin and seperation. I don't know if I have cleaned up like this since I was first saved.

One comment also sat with me for a while. The Lord has paid for my Salvation already and therefore there is no more that I can do to earn it. I have probably heard similar before. It struck me about how I treat my salvation, as if I had something more to gain by doing everything correct. Did I read my Bible or pray? Did I go to Church? All that I have to do is have faith in Him and His death, burrial and resurection and that He Has (already done) saved me. Our works are the fruits of but not the route to, the the measuring rod for, my salvation.

I left the tent with my mind spinning. I am not special here, the soldiers and civilians that are Christians are all in the same boat. We all are having the same struggles and the same praises. We all have somebody or family that we left behind. We all probably have a Church that we thought about this morning that we miss. We are all the same in that Christ has paid our ransom and if we have faith we are saved.

So my mind spun, thoughts of home. Thoughts of Glorifing Him. Thoughts of completeing my mission or not. Many thoughts, many emotions all stirred up by this service.

Lord,

Thank you for your payment for me. Thank you for my salvation. Thank you for the Servicemen and woman who afford me my freedom to worship you in all that I do. Thank you for this opportunity to glorify you. Thank you.

Amen

The noise of this world.

This cross is a little hard to see but it is really cool. It is two bug trails crossing in the "Moon Dust" In the mornings at Leatherneck you would see all sorts of little footseteps in the sand until the wind started blowing.

Being back at Kandahar Air Field is strange in a way. It is so large that it is like being in a city compared to Leatherneck. So many things here, people, cars, buildings etc. It is almost too much activity for me.

The funny thing is that being here has scattered my brain a little. I can feel the difference in my attitude, my thoughts and my habits. Immediately opon my return the hecticnous started to consume me. I could feel a different level of stress start to build inside of me.

I also felt the unsettled feeling start to rise inside. Being put in a room with three other people only having as much space as your stuff will take up. It is also strange that the roommates don't seem to want to talk as so much. They stay in this little bubble of a bed and seem not to want to come out of it.

Compared to the last few weeks I am the furthest Spirtually from the Lord now as I have been since I have been here. I struugle a bit to concentrate on His word when I am reading and my writing has dwindled to a few short paragraphs each morning. The business of everything does draw me away.

I relate this to my life. When I was first in Kandahar It was all new, but I was scared and lonely. I was dependant on Him more because of this. Going to Leatherneck allowed me the time to spend with Him. There was not the business to draw me away. I was still lonely but my mind was able to focus on Him more so than everything else. Now that I am back at KAF, the business has taken over, the simpleness is gone and I struggle to concentrate on Him.

I find this at home, actually it is a microcosm of my life. When I am scared and lonely and in need I have ease in finding Him. When I am relaxed and quiet and in a routine I have ease finding Him. When I am busy, and preoccupied and have much of the world around me I have difficulty finding Him.

This world is darkness. The things that in this world are not of Him and do not allow us the opportunity to seek Him. They in very subtle ways draw our attention away from Him. Like Peter when He left the boat, I am sure he was good until he saw the first wave, That one stole his attention from the Lord. The second began to show him what was around him, and he began to sink. Then as he noted all of the waves heis complete attention away from the Lord, he sank. In his desperation, like mine when I first arrived, Hereached for the Lord again and set His focus on the saving hand that was reaching down for him.

We must look for ways to remove the waves from our life, the noise, the business, the things that divert our attention from Him. We must find ways to move through the darkness of this world without letting the world catch our attention. Find the quiet time, make the quiet time, remove the obsticles.

I feel it sitting here, that I have moved away from Him a little. I feel some guilt as if I am cheating Him in some way. I feel the draw of this place, the water drawing me down, so I must reach for Him. I must focus on His hand.

Don't get in His way.

This Cross is for real. I found this one after exiting the C130 from Leatherneck while in the holding pen.

What does it mean to us to follow Gods will? What are our expectations when we do? Do we have expectations for the outcome or do we walk freely into the darkness as a light?

I used to pray for Gods will in my life thinking that it would be this marvelous experience that would fullfill all of my wildest dreams. For I thought that Gods will would make me happy, lift all of my burdons. Didn't God want that for me? Isn't that the reason why I come to Him, so that I don't have to worry about anything.

I sometimes hear others pray, as I used to, that God lift burdons or cure somebody who is sick. Isn't this asking against Gods will? Doesn't this put our feelings into our prayers in order to change Gods will?

To me, we only need to ask Gods will and then to move in the direction He sends us. We are to only ask His will and then accept the outcome, continued sickness or burdons. We are to ask Gods will and then not put limits on what He may want from us. Can we do this? Are we willing to do this?

Don't put limits on His will. Don't put limits on yourself after you ask His will in your life. If you predetermine the outcome then stop and think, is His will being done?

It is Gods will that we Glorify Him in all that we do. This, if we are obediant, has nothing to do with us. If we are obediant there is no promise in this life that anything will change for us. If we are obediant the outcome should only be that somebody sees how Holy our God is, that they only see Him through us. Is that not the Light in darkness that Christ asks us to be, a lamp unto the world. Again this has nothing to do with me, only Him.

We must only think that the benefit of our life is for Him, if we think any further than we are outside of His will. Glorify Him and keep yourself from getting in His way.

A few pictures for you all!

I started playing a little game that I call find the Cross. It helps me through the day focus on Him. I have a bunch of them now but this was the first one that I took. I will put them into the posts for your viewing pleasure. Try to guess where this was taken. Those that already werfe told the answer can not play.

Where will you find your cross today?

This shot was taken at about 5:30 in the afternoon. I call it Explosion at Sundown. this was the Marines having fun outside the fenceline blowing something up. In KAF they warn you about this, in Leatherneck they just push the button. One thing to note is that the sun in this shot looks bright when in actuality it was just a yellow ball in the dust.

This shot is not smoke off of the Mules tire, it is dust! Moon dust as they call it here is like talc, very light and very messy. Everything is covered in it and when the wind blows it is a nightmare.

I like this shot! Catherine will like it because I am smiling. I tend not to smile in my photos. Here I am this morning in KAF. You can't see Chub Chub but trust me it is going down. What you may be able to tell is that I am very tan, I think however the flash takes away from that.

Catherine wanted me to come home tan and buff, I think I am doing a good job at it.

By the way I took this shot myself!

Here are the guys from Kandahar Materials Yard. Musa is on the right in the front. James is on the left in the front. They are the Kenyans who God sent me when I was first here. Behind them are the Phillipinos. Over my right shoulder (stage left) is Leo who worked with me at Leatherneck. He flew with me yesterday as he is going on R&R. Raymond is next to him and then Lulu.

This picture was taken in there break tent. The Phillipinos invited me to have breakfast with them this morning. They also share most of what they get and represent fellowship very well.

It was good to arrive back in KAF. These guys really gave me a warm welcome back, it was nice. It is amazing that the few days I spent here could have created so many friends. I have most of these guys emails and look forward to continued interactions with them.

As part of that I would like to mention that I was also able to have prayer with the Kenyans this morning in the Happy Bus. Sitting along side of me was Kishan who was the man who John so nice asked about Jesus after Musa song a few weeks ago. Apperently he continues to sit with them on a daily basis. Also, my Brother Robert, the Evangalist is now at Shindand, the same base that I will be going to in a few days.

God always has a plan.

Why?

Why did it take me coming to this place to realize that my life is to glorify Him in all that I do? Why now am I a more faithful wittness to my Lord Jesus Christ then I ever was at home? Why now am I becoming more dependant on Him than on myself? Why, why, why?

I came here because I believe that he has called me here. I prayed His will in my life when I was looking for work and this is the work that came to me. I did all of the right things and now I sit and wonder why I didn't allow Him to work in and through me in this way when I was home. Was it my comfort or my arrogance? Did I not need Him as much? Did I just not want Him to change me in such ways?

Frank didn'rt want me to come here. He expressed that I should not have left my family, for I was the head of the household, the kids need me. He was right! the reason he stated I should not go is what brings me the greatest pain. However, it is also what makes me rely on Him even more.

I have no other way of relief but prayer, but prayer works. In my desperate times it sees me through. It allows the Holy Spirit to bring me a verse, a spoken peice of Gods word. It brings me comfort and changes my thought.

If I were home, I would allow my disciomfort to be filled in other ways. If I were home I would not have to dig for strength, I would not have to reach for Him. If I were home my life would be easy so therefore I would not need Him so readily.

It took me coming to this place to strip me of the things that kept me from Him. It took me coming to this place to strip me of the dependance on the things of this world that kept me from Him. It took me coming to this place to begin to love Him like He loves me.

Why?

Not my travel plans but Gods.

I have been trying to catch a flight from Leatherneck to KAF since yesterday and as of yet have had no luck. Either the plane was full or I had too much stuff. Today I will try again starting at o700 and hope for the best.

So yesterday I packed up my stuff, a foot locker and a large duffle bag and moved out of my new CHU. I had been there three days and it was marvelous to say the least. I had actually had to get up the first night and shut the AC off because I was so cold. Could have only been 80 degrees but non the less I was freezing. I headed down to the main office to catch the bus to Bastion Air Bases and opps, the flight was cancelled. So I spent the day working and tried the flight again at 1800, with no luck.

This was ok though as God had given me another opportunity to wittness to another man that I had been working with. He is a Buddihist and I was able to give him a copy of A Case for Christ. I asked him to keep in touch and let me know if he had any questions. Apperently he has had a very troubled life and his heart is very hard against the Lord.

Revealed yesterday is that God truly has a plan for everything and we are to move forth and sow and reap in His name. As I ask Him to use me in this, and I remain faithful to this, more and more opportunities are afforded me. I must in all things, as difficult as it is here and as many times as I have wanted to quit or react to a situation poorly, must continue to glorify Him. That is Gods will for me, and for all of you.

Please Pray for James and that theHoly Spirit may work within his heart.

You just never know.

Ok, I have been here for a couple of weeks,
almost, and now I am leaving. They are sending me to Shindand which is near Iran. This news to some extent was discouraging as I was not able to complete my task here. I wanted to be able to sink my teeth into something and leave my footprint here. You know man always wants to be rembered for something.


I was also kinda discouraged as overall I had not had the same experiences that I had in KAF. I did not feel that I was able to connect in a positive way with anybody here and that it was in a sense a waste. I know that the Lord always has a plan so I figured that Shindand is the place He wants me so Shindand is the place I'll go.



He revealed yesterday however why I was here. As I walked home with Doug we had a little heart to heart and I shared with him the person I was before I came to the Lord. As you may recall Doug and I have had some conversations regarding the Bible and Spiritual things. Even over lunch once I spoke of my faith in the Lord as to why He brought me here.



Anyway, Doug then opened up a little to me about himself. He spoke of some of his past and why he had to do this kind of work. We both had similar issues I guess is the best way to put it. He then expressed that since I had been here I had really helped him out. I don't remember the words he used, but that our conversations about the Bible and God had relly touched him and encouraged him. That he was glad that I had been there.


As I turned and walked away, I began to cry. Here I had no idea of why I was at Leatherneck and had been feeling down and out the past few days and the Lord, the night before I leave this place showed me why I had come. All I caould say is thank you Lord, thank you Lord. I saw again how His perfect plan is revealed. I did not know, but He did as to why I was here.


Never stop allowing the Lord to be in your words and actions. Never think that there is not an opportunity for you to wittness in His name. Never allow only your actions to be your wittness. Always trust in Him and trust that He will use you for His greater purpose.

Traveling Man.

I have been informed that I am being moved to Camp Shindand which is up near the Iranian border. It is apperently a larger base than this but not as modern (ha, modern). I should be there sometime early next week. I will fly from here LNK back to KAF and then from KAF to Shindand. I will be replacing a Transportation Manager who is going to KAF.

Looks like I am a traveling man!

Football and cigars!

Yesterday turned out to be a nice day as I had a good experience with the group of truck drivers that left me feeling good.

At the base there is an area that they call the holding pen. This is where the trucks that make it through the gate come before the go out into the base. The Drivers are kept in an area away from the trucks until their escorts arrive. At the end of the day the trucks and drivers are brought back to the Holding pen until they all are taken off the base.

Yestersay the three drivers that I had were all in their twenties and a little more talkative than usual. Talkative is relative as we tend to communicate in sign language and basic words. Generally people ignore the drivers or treat them kinda poorly, which bothers me, so I always try to interact as much as possible with them and show them some compassion. I have not gotten to the hugging with them yet! Anyway, from the start these guys were peppy and joking with me and each other.

Once we brought them back down to the holding pen the fun began. There is a football that one of the interpreters was throwing around and one of the driver Hakeem asked if he could try and throw it. I showed him how to hold it and believe it or not after a few attempts he was actually throwing it well. This brought the attention of the crowd of drivers that were still inside the pen. Eventualy, because of a couple of bad throws some of the other guys had an opportunity to give it a try. The great things is that they could laugh at themselves as they tried to throw the ball.

Eventually we had to go but as we loaded ouselves back into the Mule (ATV Vehicle) one of the drivers asked for a cigerette. Now I don't smoke, but Doug does, cigars! So Doug pulled out a big one and walked it over to him. This kids eyes were hudge and the confused look on his face was pricless. He didn't quite know what to do with it. The interpretter Rock-O came and explained to him what to do, bite the end off, and light it. He also warned him not to inhale. Oh the look on his face when he did.

After a few puffs he began to share his cigar with his friends, they passed it around each experiencing something new. It was funny in a way to see them with the cigar, snickering and having fun. But I was also impressed, as I have been several times, in the fact that they love to share so openly. They have no problem with letting their friends have what they have, food, or cigar.

Yesterday I was down about not having fellowship and missing out on normal social interaction and at the end of the day I was seeing how community and sharing works. It transends social gaps and economic status. It brings paople dramitically different, together.

Something as simple as a fottball and a cigar brought a group of men together who normal would have nothing to do with each other.

Um...

I am sorry but I am having trouble writing today. I have put down three different ideas and scrapped them all. I guess it is writers block.

I do have a lot of pictures but I can not organize them on the Blog the way I would like and it is frustrating. I also have a few expperiences over the last few days that would be interesting if I could get to the point of them. No thought today is coming easy.

It is amazing that the mind is so fragile. That a few days of discomfort ha sleft me without thought, or cohesive thought for that matter. This is what we must watch out for. This is what happens as we leak. This is why we fall victim to Satan and to sin. This is where our faith begins to be tested. This is where I must reach for Him because I can't do it without Him.

Like Peter as he sank, I must extend my hand for the only one who can truly take hold of it, Jesus.

A Day of Rest

Today is a day of rest. I have been getting drained by the continious heat and the late hours the last few days. Because of the late hours I have not read, or written in two days and this has caused a little of a blaa feeling.

We must keep in continious fellowship with each other and the Lord because we leak, here Iwe even dehydrate! It becomes very difficult to get refilled and to have the fellowship that we need. I feel it deeply if I have not had my quiet time with the Lord.

Today will be a day of rest, a day where I reach for Him because I need Him so.

My First Package

I recieved "The Box" yesterday. Oh what a felling! It came just after lunch and was delivered to me while I sat outside of my boss's office on a wooden bench, waiting to have a meeting. I was so happy to get it. The feelings that I expressed in the prevoious Blog came out, the thoughts of what special things would be inside.

I sat just looking at it. I actually sat it on my lap for a little while and looked at the writing, Catherine's. I couldn't wait to open it up, but, I couldn't. It was not the right time. I would have to wait until the eavning.

Just before 20:00 I was able to sit and finally open my package. I had actually thought about it all afternoon. I worked a little late which made things worse and then had to shower before anything else. For a moment I thought as If I were having a date with my family with all of the preperation. Funny what comes through my mind.

Just before I opened it I prayed that the Lord would bless the items and allow me to feel all of the love of my family as I examined each one. Sowly then I opened it. I didn't want to ruin anything. Then the moment that I had waited for for a whole month.

Each item I saviored. Each card I looked at the writing. The boxer shorts from Norman. The notes from the kids. The most wonderful card from Catherine. Every piece I just had to look at on its own. These were the most emotional gifts, yet so simple, that I had ever recieved. It was a wonderful moment for me.

These gifts are now a physical connection between my family and me. They, again, become representations of the love they have for me.

Where's Chub Chub?

Ok, This is for Harrison and Anna. Where's Chub Chub? My stomach! The kids call it Chub Chub. If you notice it is going away. The Afghanistan diet. Two gallons of water a day and four gallons of sweat. Just so you know I am not sucking it in.

In this picture, you can not tell, but there is a small sand storm happening. I had sand everywhere I didn't want it. We were putting together lights sets.

Prayer Request

A man that I met here, Ray, is now leaving for home due to a family emergency. He is a Retired Master Sargent who has spent several years doing work like this. He and I at first had to get used to each other but soon formed a good working relationship. I spent a few times praying that I could figure out how to work with him without issues.

I ask Prayers from all, for his safe travel home and for the Lords will to be done for this emergency.

Step Forward.

We Americans are always worried about our personal space. We charish it sometimes, most times if I can be blunt. We partition ourselves off from each other in our own comfort zones hoping nobody steps into it. You see men who can not hug other men because, hey, that's too close for me buddy. Others who just want their space.

I had a boss once who liked to talk really close to me. I mean a few inches away from my face. I learned that if I stepped back, he stepped closer. Me being me, I then figured out that if I leaned in he would then back off. This was hard because I really had to allow space to become in short supply if you know what I mean. Looked as if we were going to kiss.

Here, space is at a premium. I have my space now, the 5 x 7 room, but there is a bunk bed. There is a possibility that my space can readily become our space if they descided to put someone with me. The idea of small community becomes a real reality!

In James 4:8, it says, "Come near to God , and He will come near to you". This is so opposite from what we do in our personal lives in some ways, in public. It does happen in our personal lives but for most of us I bet only so deep. Even with our spouses there are probably things that just are not said, places they are not allowed to go. But here God is telling us to come near to Him, and then he will come near to us. If we move into his space, He will move into ours.

I believe there still is the comfort zone that we must move past even with God. We, on the outside, will show that we are near Him, but how close do we get on the inside? How near will we let Him come to us before we say "hey, thats too close".

I challenge you to come closer to God. To not stop moving in. When you become uncomfortable, know that you have just begun the journey. Also know that as you move past your comfort zone that He is coming closer to you.

Step forward.

Simple!

Today I just wish you all a glorious day in which you can be a light into someones elses life. Allow the Holy Spirit to work freely in and through you and let your fears be cast away.

God Bless You All!

Whats in the box?

The other day Catherine had mentioned that she was sending me a package here at Leatherrneck. She had put together some items that I needed and was going to send them out on Saturday. I know my parents also were asking if there was anything they could send me. For them all I could think of was a clip on fan for my bed. Lastly my in laws, had spoken to Catherine about the same subject.

As Catherine and I talked about what I needed I really couldn't think of too much that I wanted. My mind was sort of blank, but not quite. The thought that the only things that I really wanted and needed could not be put in the box.

We keep boxes full of stuff. Our houses, our storage closets, the pantry all is full of things that matter to us in some ways but does it matter to us in the depths of our heart? Is the stuff in the box in the basement what you would want sent to you if you were away? Maybe the pictures, and the love notes you kept from your spouse, but what is it about them that keeps you holding onto them? Is it not the emotions that you feel when you read them again?

So what we all really long for is the emotional aspects of our lives. Most stuff fills our temporary gratification. Some stuff reminds us of times and places and things we have done. Few things bring deep feelings of love and happiness, the emotions of our lives, few things really truly matter to us.

What I would want in my box is the love that sent it. The caring that so nicely placed the other stuff their. The time that it took to package it all up. The tenderness of the writing on the card. The anticipated joy knowing that I will recieve it. The hope that I will like it. The peace that comes from knowing somone sent it. What comes in the box is not the stuff but the stuff that casued the stuff to be in the box.

Random reasons to visit Leatherneck

Ok, this may not be what I usually write but I thought I would give it a shot.

It is like Camping, all the time.
You get to dine out every meal.
The laundry is free.
You get out of doing any yard work.
You don't have to worry about what you are doing on the weekend.
Every day is a day at the beach.
The grit on your teeth is better than tooth paste.
Time seems to stand still.
The tree huggers left due to boredom.
The weather is consistent.
You don't have to worry about any traffic.
The mirrors in the bath room are stainless steel so you don't notice so many imperfections.


Anyway, it is not so bad. It has it's good points and bad points. Ultimately it is what you make it. If your mind collapses, like mine did a couple of weeks ago, you will get beat. If you realize that you could have it worse, or that some do have it worse, than you begin to move through and succeed.

I rely on the fact that He has brought me here and that ultimately, when I complete this, I will be stronger for Him. My eyes will have been opened and my heart changed. In James 1 Verse 2-4, it speaks of perseverance bringing maturity. I can hope in that truth, I challenge myself with that truth.

God Bless you all.

PS - Kevin Thompson, Thank you for listening to Him.